THR Scaredykat no more.

[Scaredykat]

@Layla
Thanks!! The surgery date actually was changed to yesterday, so I’m home and doing well. I went home same day this time around. It’s only been 6 week since my last and now this one.. I’’ glad I’m done!!! Feel a little wiped out today and have a headache but otherwise I’m moving around pretty well with my walker. I kinda got in trouble from the PT guy at the hospital when we were talking about how I did after my April THR and I told him I as walking 3-4 a day for 15-20 mins at a time. He told me that was too much and he doesn’t think I should be walking more than 5 mins every 2 hours while awake. Since I went home same day I ended up getting only 2 (normally they do 3) dose of iv antibiotics but they said it’s fine to take another 2 doses orally. As I’m riding home i started second guessing if I should have stayed for that reason but then I thought I doubt my surgeon would release me if he thought I was at more risk by leaving and taking a day of oral antibiotics.
It suck’s to be a worry wart!! Thanks for your well wishes!!

 

[Layla]

Great to hear you're home! It is wonderful that you're healing from both THR's at once.
I will agree with the PT that you can go easier on yourself initially. Five minutes every hour or two is enough to begin with and normally a trip to the bathroom or kitchen to get a drink or snack covers that. I followed the Activity Progression for THR HERE to stay comfortably mobile. Some will excel, some will lag behind, but it's a safe guideline to follow and you won't end up in the ODIC (over did it club) You may find yourself a bit more tired this time since your body has already been in recovery mode from the controlled trauma of your April surgery.

Try not to worry, I think you have the hang of it since you're already six weeks in from your other joint replacement. Since you're alone, I am happy to read that you do have someone close by if you are in need. That has to feel reassuring.

Thanks for updating, it was nice to hear from you this morning.
I wish you all the best and lots of comfort as you begin the journey. Let us know if you prefer a different thread title and we'll happily edit accordingly.
@Scaredykat

 

[Layla]

HIP RECOVERY GUIDELINES

As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

Activity progression for THRs​

The recovery articles
Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery
Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[Jason11]

Scardykat I think you need to change your name. No Scardykat is getting 2 hip replacements that close together. All the best to you, and hopes for a speedy recovery.

 

[Layla]

Love that sentiment, Jason! So very true! They'd have to drug / drag me back in that soon.
She should consider, Scardykat no more.
@Jason11

 

[Scaredykat]

@Jason11 haha made me laugh!! I’m pretty tough but I think it was the general anesthesia that I was so petrified of! Sounds silly but that was my hang up … I even broke down and was bawling in front of the CRNS yesterday. Then when I woke up I started in on them to release home evening!

 

[Scaredykat]

@Layla
Thanks for all the great advice! I will try to slow it down a little more this time around. I tend to be an all or nothing person… that doesn’t work to well in this situation. That’s for the recovery link, I’ll read through that
Hey and great idea to change it to scaredykat mo more!! Go for it!!

 

[Layla]

You're welcome!
Yes, give yourself a break, you've earned it for sure!
I'll edit the title now. Happy Wednesday!
@Scaredykat

 

[Gloucestergal65]

I think most of us have been a worry wart at times. Great phrase.